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When Maddie Hart’s meticulously prepared Christmas cookie pop-up is literally crashed into by Noah Becker, the brooding new goalie for the Blue Ridge Buffaloes, the resulting mess of gingerbread and powdered sugar marks the start of an unexpected holiday romance. Paired together for a high-stakes charity bake-off, the professional athlete known as the 'Goalie Grinch' and the cheerful bakery owner find a surprising rhythm in the kitchen. As flour flies and peppermint scents the air, Noah’s stoic exterior melts, revealing a vulnerable man who is as dedicated to Maddie as he is to the ice. From early morning shifts at Hearth & Crust to high-intensity hockey games, the pair navigates family losses and the pressures of their respective careers. Their journey culminates in a heartwarming transformation from a festive fling to a permanent partnership, proving that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that start with a little bit of chaos. Comparable works include The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward